for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our
commercial relations, to have with them as little _political_
connection as possible. So far as we have already formed
engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here
let us stop.

"Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a
very remote relation. Hence she most be engaged in frequent
controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our
concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate
ourselves, by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her
politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her
friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites
and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one
people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off,
when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we
may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality, we may at
any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected; when
belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions
upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we
may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall
counsel.

"Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our
own to stand on foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny
with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity
in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or
caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent
alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as
we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as
capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold
the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs,
that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let
those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my
own opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be unwise to extend them.
Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments,
on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to
temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.

"Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by